Latest news with #OmanChamberofCommerceandIndustry
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani govt delegation reviews Dhofar industrial growth
Salalah – A joint delegation from Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority; and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a field visit to several factories in Dhofar on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to support industrial development and enhance local content. The visit included industries within Salalah Free Zone, Madayn and Dhofar Industrial Zone. Officials reviewed production processes, discussed key achievements, and explored areas for development and innovation across various manufacturing sectors. The delegation held discussions with factory representatives to understand existing challenges, identify growth opportunities, and explore mechanisms to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors. The visit aligned with objectives of the National Industrial Strategy and aimed to increase local added value in the manufacturing sector, the ministry stated. Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said such field visits provide an opportunity for direct dialogue with factory owners and workers. 'These visits help us understand the realities on the ground, listen to the concerns of manufacturers, and identify practical solutions that promote industrial networking and growth.'
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
'very event is delivered straight from the heart'
Reema al Sajwani, a young Omani figure in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, which plays a significant role in the tourism industry, believes that every event that hosts people is delivered straight from the heart. The story of Reema, a leading female entrepreneur in the events industry, is an inspiring tale that showcases how courage, vision and clarity can lead to success. Her hard work and determination helped her overcome numerous challenges to become the successful woman she is today. Her name has become synonymous with the next wave of female entrepreneurs in the events industry after organising key events both in and outside of Oman in recent years. "No one knew who Reema al Sajwani was when I organised my first event, but I am grateful that I introduced myself through high-quality performance and achieved my goals," said Reema, the Founder and Chairperson of Reema Integrated Projects Company, a renowned event management firm. She has successfully organised fashion shows, events and exhibitions and is a member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "In today's competitive business environment, the events industry is an excellent career choice for women aspiring to be entrepreneurs. Role models like Reema show that success is achievable and may inspire the next generation of women to start their own event management companies," she affirmed. Reema has received numerous accolades and her organisation was recognise by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for five consecutive years as the most supportive firm for managing events and conferences to aid SMEs. "The journey has never been smooth. There were turbulence and storms, but I overcame them all and sailed to success because I always believed that challenges are the secret to success. I believed in myself and my abilities to achieve my goals and I did," she smiled. According to Reema, SMEs are crucial for a nation's development as they are the primary engine of economic growth, job creation and social progress. They contribute to GDP, drive innovation and enhance economic competitiveness. Reema's efforts to empower SMEs are commendable. She has supported several SMEs with her exceptional leadership, event management skills and entrepreneurial expertise. Reema believes that effective leadership is essential for business growth and long-term success and her company, Reema Integrated Projects Company, has been expanding horizontally under her astute leadership. In addition to her strong educational background, Reema is a researcher in entrepreneurship innovation, holds a certificate in the exhibition industry, and has a diploma in fashion design. She has been recognised as one of the guiding stars among other Arab women leaders who have made significant contributions to the events industry recently.
Observer
05-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Transforming Oman's business landscape
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is spearheading efforts to modernise Oman's business environment by leveraging digital platforms that simplify procedures, foster innovation, and enhance investor confidence. These initiatives support international best practices, aiming to boost the ease of doing business and attract investment across sectors. At the centre of this transformation is the "Oman Business" platform, offering a comprehensive suite of digital services. These include commercial registration, licensing, agency and intellectual property management, certificate issuance, and company liquidation. The platform operates as a unified digital interface, designed to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The platform is integrated with 17 government entities and exchanges data with 35 others, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ten government entities have activated the compliance register, reinforcing a collaborative ecosystem that enhances service efficiency. As of the end of 2024, over 76.5% of the Ministry's services were digitised, and 89% of commercial activities were automatically licensed. Since April 2021, more than 328,000 licences have been issued automatically. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence are embedded in services like "Know Your Customer", enabling foreign investors to register remotely without a residency card, using biometric verification. The "Investment Guide" simulates the registration process, providing step-by-step guidance on required documents, approvals, and fees—making the investor journey more seamless. Complementing this is the "Invest in Oman" platform, a digital gateway to the country's investment landscape. It offers insights into incentives and opportunities across free zones and economic zones, while facilitating communication with potential investors. Since its launch in February 2023, the platform has received 90 investment applications valued at RO 5.38 billion, with 43 projects worth RO 2.25 billion localised in key sectors such as industry, healthcare, food security, and renewables. To support local businesses, especially SMEs, the "Made in Oman" platform plays a strategic role. Since its launch in February 2024, over 5,000 products from 380 Omani factories have received the "Made in Oman" label. The platform promotes these products domestically and internationally, enhancing their visibility, increasing production, and creating employment opportunities across production, management, and marketing. Additionally, it connects SMEs to procurement opportunities in both public and private sectors, supporting operational growth. The platform also strengthens national supply chains by reducing reliance on imports and improving self-sufficiency. The 'Ma'arouf Oman' platform enhances e-commerce trust by authenticating licensed online stores. It links shops to their official records, increasing consumer confidence. Registered stores have risen by 236.4% since the platform's launch. In the realm of digital commerce, the Ministry developed the National E-Commerce Plan under the 'Tanwee' programme, approved in Q3 2021. The plan comprises 30 initiatives, with three directly managed by the Ministry—now fully implemented. This strategy supports a robust legislative framework and promotes e-commerce expansion until 2027. To ensure product quality and stimulate innovation, the Hazm platform identifies items requiring conformity certification and links them with accredited assessment bodies. As of mid-2025, 21 such bodies were registered, with 333 national conformity certificates and 3,789 energy efficiency labels issued. Hazm supports SMEs by guiding them through regulatory requirements and fostering a competitive, high-quality industrial environment. The Oman Business Forum complements these efforts through knowledge-sharing sessions that bring together experts, policymakers, and investors to exchange views on investment trends and business reforms. Meanwhile, Sanad Service Centres are expanding rapidly, offering 377 electronic services in partnership with 25 government and private institutions. In 2024 alone, these centres completed over 872,000 transactions. By June 2025, there were 920 centres, employing more than 2,365 individuals—60% of whom are women, with 65% of staff aged between 20 and 39. Oman Exports, a groundbreaking digital export platform launched by the Ministry, has revolutionised how Omani products reach global markets. It facilitates export processes, offers promotional tools, and connects local producers with international buyers. Together with the "Made in Oman" platform, it enhances product visibility, competitiveness, and integration into global value chains. These platforms also enable manufacturers to access government services, conduct market analyses, and adapt their products to international standards. Performance metrics show rising numbers of digital licences and increased registration of factories and products, underlining the platforms' impact on Oman's economic growth and the private sector's contribution to GDP. To maintain high standards, platforms are integrated with national inspection systems and quality certification schemes. The Ministry continues to raise public awareness around the superiority of Omani products and their compliance with global benchmarks. Looking ahead, the Ministry is focused on enhancing platform functionality through AI and data science to better serve sector-specific needs. According to Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director General of Planning and Head of the Digital Transformation Team, these platforms are now strategic enablers of economic growth, technological localisation, and youth empowerment—key to Oman's sustainable development. — ONA
Muscat Daily
30-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OCCI panel flags energy costs as key threat to manufacturing
Muscat – The Industry Committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) held a meeting recently to discuss the impact of rising electricity and gas prices on manufacturing costs and competitiveness of Omani products. The meeting was chaired by Tawfiq al Lawati, Chairman of the committee, and attended by committee members and officials of relevant government bodies. Participants stressed that electricity and gas are among the most significant operational costs for factories. They cautioned that high tariffs drive up the final cost of products, reduce profit margins, and weaken the sector's ability to compete regionally and globally. 'The industrial sector is a key pillar of economic diversification. Any increase in electricity or gas prices directly affects its competitiveness and long-term sustainability,' Lawati said. The committee also warned that persistently high energy costs could undermine Oman's attractiveness as a destination for industrial investment, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as metals, petrochemicals and cement. Members called for greater support for renewable energy adoption, including financing mechanisms and tax incentives, which they said could help lower production costs and promote sustainability throughout the industrial value chain. The meeting reviewed the broader industrial landscape, including proposed reforms and incentives in special economic and free zones.
Observer
30-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
North Al Batinah contributes 11.1% to Oman's GDP
MUSCAT, JUNE 30 North Al Batinah Governorate is fast becoming a major economic driver for Oman, contributing 11.1% to the national GDP in 2024—up from 3.7 billion Omani rials in 2023 to 4.3 billion rials in 2024, marking an impressive 16% growth. This transformation is the result of a clear, strategic roadmap led by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the governorate, closely aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Unlike traditional action plans, the Chamber's approach focused on empowering the private sector, improving the business environment, and enhancing institutional performance. A total of 88 targeted initiatives and programmes were launched, covering service development, system integration, and investment promotion. These efforts have reshaped the governorate's economic structure and boosted its national standing. Heavy industries were the main contributors, generating RO 1.9 billion — 44.2% of the governorate's GDP. The logistics and services sector followed with RO 1.1 billion, or 25.6%, while agriculture and other diversified sectors made up the remainder. This diverse portfolio highlights the region's sustainable and balanced development model. Saeed al Abri, Chairman of the Chamber in North Al Batinah, attributed the success to effective planning and institutional leadership. 'This progress is the result of structured planning and strong performance monitoring. The Chamber has moved beyond advocacy—it actively links the private sector to national goals,' he said. Al Abri also stressed Oman's global trade advantage: 'Oman has some of the lowest customs duties on exports, thanks to our balanced foreign policy and trade agreements. Our products are trusted and competitive worldwide.' North Al Batinah's strategic location on the Arabian Sea, combined with advanced infrastructure such as Sohar Port and Freezone, and Industrial City, continues to draw global investment. The logistics sector plays a vital role in reducing operational costs and enhancing efficiency. As the region cements its role as a key trade and industrial hub, North Al Batinah is not only boosting Oman's economy but also offering a model for regional-led development. With strong partnerships and consistent execution, it is well on its way to becoming a globally connected engine of growth.
